England looked on the cusp of a remarkable Wembley comeback on Monday evening as Harry Kane thumped his 83rd-minute penalty home to make it 3-2. However, Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope's mistake proved costly just moments later as Germany were gifted an agonising late equaliser.
Picked over Arsenal 's Aaron Ramsdale for the second of England's two Nations League clashes, Pope had the chance to firmly enter the conversation as to potentially taking the No 1 spot from Everton's Jordan Pickford. However, the fallout from the 3-3 draw has hurt the former Burnley man's chances.
Much has been made of the late error and Pope's overall match rating but England boss Gareth Southgate was quick out of the blocks to defend his shot-stopper. “It is an error, and of course he’s going to be down,” he said. “But the team has to be together and we have done that all week.
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If there's one word to describe Southgate it is safe. The Three Lions boss doesn't like to make wholesale changes, he picks his favourites and is often criticised by the social media mob for overlooking certain in-form stars.
But with the former Middlesbrough defender set to lead England into his third international tournament, there will be no rash decisions between now and November. Pope may not have done enough to oust the injured Pickford but he will certainly be on the plane to Qatar if he stays fit between now and the winter showpiece.
Kane also jumped to the defence of his England co-star, making the point of Pope's previous performances in an England shirt. “For sure, any individual mistake you’re going to be gutted," he said.
"But we’re a team and you get behind each other, they learn from it and move on. They have been great for us every time they have put an England shirt on.”
On the flip side, it will be hard for any outsider to break into the World Cup side at this stage. Callum Wilson has made no secret of his aspirations to get a call up later this year but latest injury setback makes it difficult. Even Ivan Toney failed to get a single minute of game time in recent games despite his eagerly-awaited call-up earlier this month
Southgate's reluctance to take a gamble with his squad selections mean it is hard to see a way back into the fold for Newcastle's returning number nine. For Pope, it can be seen as a blessing when it comes to his position with the national side.
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